Whistleblowers are now legally protected in the EU: Comply with the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive

EU Whistleblower Protection Directive, whistleblowers are now legally protected in the EU. As of 17th December, the Directive (EU) 2019/1937 (commonly referred to as the “EU Whistleblower Protection Directive”) has become effective. Adopted by the European Council in 2019, the Directive aims to strengthen protections for people who report breaches of EU law, create safer, better-defined reporting channels across all EU member states, and move member states towards a unified legal framework. From this date onwards, across all EU member states, the identity of whistleblowers will be safeguarded, and retaliation against them will be prohibited.  Key provisions of the Directive The new Directive will affect public and private organisations with 50+ employees as an organisation will need to implement a range of actions to comply with the new rules:  Introduce internal channels and procedures, including ensuring that the whistleblower’s identity is kept confidential; Prohibit all forms of retaliation against whistleblowers; Identify competent authorities to receive, provide feedback and progress reports; and Implement effective and proportionate penalties for anyone who retaliates against whistleblowers, obstructs disclosure reporting or otherwise breaches the duties outlined in the Directive. This is a milestone in the fight against corruption and bribery, and the ABAC® Center of Excellence is here to help you.  What action should you be taking? EU Whistleblowing Directive focus on helping whistleblowers feel safer in speaking up. At ABAC®, we believe the EU laws will prove invaluable to organisations when flagged inappropriate behaviour earlier and organised. There are several steps that an organisation must go through to be compliant with the new EU Whistleblowing Directive. It is a process that can be stressful and intense, especially if you don’t know where to start. At ABAC®, we believe that compliance with the new laws does not need to be complicated. The talented ABAC® team, and in anticipation of the EU Whistleblower protection Directive, is now offering ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System certification and training.  ABAC® certification and training can help you meet the requirements of the whistleblower protection law. Whether you are looking to implement, manage, evaluate, maintain or improve a whistleblowing management system, our ABAC® team is here to support you. Comply with and gain value from the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive with ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System certification and training. The ISO 37002:2021 can assist an organisation in improving its existing whistleblowing policy and procedures or in complying with applicable whistleblowing legislation. Building a better whistleblowing mechanism by adopting ISO 37002:2021 The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed new guidelines for whistleblowing management systems — ISO 37002. ISO 37002 provides guidelines for establishing, implementing, managing, evaluating, maintaining and improving a robust and effective whistleblowing management system, with the following outcomes: Encouraging and facilitating reporting of wrongdoing ensuring reports of wrongdoing are dealt with in a proper and timely manner improving organisational culture and governance Supporting and protecting whistleblowers and other interested parties